As the meeting dispersed, Thorian made his way to the Cultivation Hall. There, amidst the tranquil silence, he devoted himself to his meditation ritual. The session, a harmonious blend of mind and spirit, spanned two and a half hours. Completing his practice, Thorian assessed his progress with a sense of quiet satisfaction.

Cultivation Realm Qi Gathering Sixth Stage (65.3%)

Not bad, especially without the elixir, he mused. Thorian had deliberately chosen to forgo the Thunder’s Boon Elixir today. Despite its potent benefits, the elixir came with severe side effects. Using it more frequently than once a week transformed it from a powerful aid into a virulent poison, leaving its consumer bedridden for a day.

After the session, Thorian meticulously cleaned the wooden tub he'd used, as well as his body, ridding himself of the day's grime. Feeling refreshed, he then set his sights on the dungeons.

The Verdant Labyrinth awaited him, its first three layers now mere child's play. Thorian dashed through them with astounding speed, each step a testament to his evolved abilities. In the aftermath of both his and Harald's evolution, it had become clear that their combined might was overkill. Thus, they had amicably decided to lead separate teams, each spearheading their group to swift victories.

Next on his agenda was the Thunderous Citadel. The pattern of his conquest there mirrored his earlier triumphs. He breezed through the initial two layers, each victory marking his growth in both class and species.

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Ding

Race Elemental Lord Kobold Level 3/45 (EXP: 12432/26000) Class Elemental Magus Level 29/40 (EXP: 5734/27000) Lifespan 70 years Cultivation Realm Qi Gathering Sixth Stage (65.3%) Stats Strength 137 Agility 151 Constitution 128 Mana 164 Qi 150 Free Points 5

Thorian, perched atop Harald, contemplated his journey back to the village. His gaze lingered on the glowing status window that floated before him.

Just eleven more levels to go, he thought, a mix of anticipation and resolve coloring his thoughts. He knew that reaching the maximum level was just one part of his quest. But leveling up isn't enough. I need to master all four first-advancement skills to progress my class.

The challenges of skill proficiency weighed on his mind. Thorian summoned his status panel, his focus zeroing in on the two skills he had been tirelessly honing over the past two days.

Water Prison Description This advanced skill conjures a sphere of water around a targeted enemy, trapping them inside. The water prison restricts movement and breathing, causing continuous water damage over time. The skill requires concentration to maintain. Proficiency 65.4%

Earth Spikes Description This potent ability allows the mage to summon sharp, jagged spikes of rock from the ground at a targeted area. The spikes impale enemies, causing significant earth damage and potentially immobilizing them momentarily. The spikes retract into the ground shortly after emerging. Proficiency 65.4%

Thorian reflected on his recent progress with a sense of accomplishment. Not bad growth at all, he mused. A significant portion of his skill proficiency had surged, thanks largely to the rewards from the Ranking Exam. Yet, it was his own dedication over the past two days that had truly bolstered his abilities. In another two days, I should be able to maximize them, he thought confidently.

Mastering these first-advancement skills was crucial. It wasn't just about meeting the prerequisites to advance in his Elemental Magus class; it was also about unlocking the potential to create new skills through his Elemental Synergy technique. The thought of the unparalleled versatility he would gain was exhilarating.

However, Thorian's thoughts were tinged with unease. Elder Oom's revelation of Nalia's formidable ability had unsettled him. But as he contemplated his own rapid advancement, Thorian reassured himself. Focusing on his personal growth, outpacing others, was his path to dispelling worries.

Harald's voice, tinged with concern, broke his train of thought. "You've been looking worried today," observed the creature. "Is it because of that green woman?"

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Thorian sighed, acknowledging the complexity of dealing with Nalia's Grand Soul Festival skill. "It's a challenging ability to counter," he admitted. "But thankfully, she can't use it at will. And the opportune moment to confront her is fast approaching."

"It can't come soon enough," Harald grumbled, his voice a low rumble of discontent. "Her erratic nature is one thing, but her ability to ascend to godhood at will makes her a threat that we must neutralize swiftly. As long as she breathes, your peace is but a fleeting illusion."

Thorian's response was tinged with a steely resolve, his eyes reflecting a chilling determination. "I'm well aware," he said. "And her end is nearer than anyone might anticipate."

Harald's chuckle, a deep, earthy sound, echoed his sentiment. "If that's the case, then my worries are eased. I trust your judgment, Thorian."

As Harald's voice faded, the imposing walls of Wolvendale came into view, crowning the hill they were ascending. Thorian glanced upwards, noting the two suns nearing their zenith.

Time to act, he thought.

Without delay, Thorian turned in his completed quests, then swiftly gathered his main party for their venture to Locksley. Mounted on his imposing direwolf steed, he cautioned them with a stern tone, "Be ready for anything."

"We are always prepared, my lord," Zogarth replied, his grip tightening around the hilt of his battle axe.

"What's the plan after the meeting, King?" inquired Forlune, riding alongside Thorian.

"We'll adapt as needed," Thorian replied, his gaze unwavering. "But remember, our knowledge gives us the upper hand. Our telepathic link with our direwolves will allow us to exchange information far more rapidly than they can."

"Should our direwolves escort them through the forest on their way to the dungeon?" Aqua suggested from behind, his voice laced with strategy. "We could monitor their movements and actions closely."

He then turned his attention to Elder Oom and issued his command, "I also want you to utilize your abilities to assess the condition of Alacritas and his men. I hope they have not encountered any misfortune, but we must exercise caution with this adversary."

"Do not fret, my lord," Elder Oom assured him. "I am fully capable of detecting any signs of brainwashing. Should their mental states have been compromised, fear not. My expertise is formidable, and restoring them to their original state is well within my capabilities."

"Thank you, Elder Oom," Thorian said, his expression softening into a smile. "You are certainly reliable."

With a clear plan etched in their minds, the party hastened toward Locksley. As they emerged from the forest, they found themselves at the western gates, where Nalia and her band of bandits awaited, a tense standoff brewing under the midday suns.

Nalia's voice carried a tone of mock respect as she addressed Thorian. "You're quite punctual, Monster King," she said, her smile wide but insincere. Her every step towards Thorian was a study in grace and arrogance, her confidence stemming from her perceived invincibility.

"Monster King is rather cumbersome, don't you think? What's your real name?" she asked, her laughter light but edged with condescension. "I'm Nalia."

Thorian, dismounting Harald with a calm demeanor, introduced himself. "I am Thorian. Now, where are my men?"

Without looking back, Nalia gestured dismissively to her bandits. "Bring out the prisoners," she commanded.

Two bandits stepped forward, dragging the unconscious bodies of five evolved kobolds, among them Alacritas and his team, bound by thick, heavy chains.

Thorian's jaw clenched at the sight, and Harald let out a low growl. It was a Herculean effort for Thorian to contain his fury and not launch an immediate attack on Nalia and her cohorts.

"Release them," Thorian demanded, his voice brooking no argument.

Nalia, with an unflappable smile, nonchalantly agreed. "Sure." She then instructed her men, "Uncuff the prisoners."

The bandits quickly complied, freeing the kobolds. Thorian, without a word, signaled his team. Forlune, Zogarth, and Aqua immediately understood and moved to assist Alacritas and his group, bringing them back to their own ranks.

Nalia's attention returned to Thorian. "I have upheld my part of the deal," she stated expectantly. "I trust you will do the same."

Thorian's reply was succinct and firm. "I am a man of my word. My men will escort you to the dungeons. In turn, I expect your people will guide us to the abyss."

Nalia's laughter was light, yet it carried an underlying sharpness. "Straight to the point, indeed. I appreciate that," she said, then pivoted to address her subordinate. "Hayden, be a dear and guide these fine gentlemen to the abyss, will you?"

Hayden, a man in his twenties, visibly paled at the command. His face drained of color, and a look of profound terror overtook his eyes.

Nalia's gaze turned icy as she fixed her eyes on him. "Hayden," she said, her voice cold and her eyes glowing with a chilling blue, "you will follow my orders, won't you?"

Paralyzed with fear, Hayden could barely manage a nod. "Everything for my queen," he murmured.

Satisfied, Nalia's smile reappeared. She turned back to Thorian. "I trust your journey into the abyss will be to your satisfaction."

Thorian, his tone a mix of politeness and frost, responded, "And may you find our dungeons to your liking." He then turned to Elder Oom. "Elder, see to it that these guests are escorted to the dungeons, along with Caedar."

"As you wish, my lord," Elder Oom replied, bowing slightly in respect.

Thorian's attention shifted to Crimen. "Ensure Alacritas and his team are safely returned. Have a priest attend to them immediately."

"Immediately, my lord," Crimen responded, promptly lifting the unconscious bodies onto his direwolf.

With his orders set in motion, Thorian faced Nalia once more. "Then, we shall take our leave."

Nalia's nod was the silent signal for Thorian and his party to proceed. With a composed exterior, Thorian led the way, Forlune and the others closely following. Left behind were Elder Oom, Caedar, and the direwolves of Aqua and Ventus.

Internally, Thorian gave a mental nod of appreciation for Aqua's perceptiveness. A good call on his part, he thought. It would have raised suspicion if I had directly suggested leaving his direwolf for surveillance in Nalia's presence.

Moving swiftly, the group trailed Hayden through the streets of Locksley. The city, once ravaged by monsters, now stood silent, its walls restored by the fortress system. The debris was cleared, yet an eerie emptiness pervaded, with no soul in sight. Nalia's influence, no doubt. She has connections with the Stronghearts, Thorian deduced.

Not dwelling too much on this speculation, Thorian kept pace as they arrived at a nondescript building. Inside, they navigated a series of rooms until Hayden revealed a hidden trapdoor. It opened to a tunnel leading into Locksley’s extensive underground network.

This network... Nalia has woven an intricate web beneath the city, undetected and vast, Thorian observed, impressed despite himself.

After a thirty-minute march through the shadowed tunnels, they arrived at their destination. Entering a dimly lit room, they were confronted with a portal, akin to those encountered at dungeon exits.

"This is the entrance to the abyss," Hayden announced, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and awe.